Slavery

In case there is anyone who has not noticed, most of western Europe is currently experiencing a severe heatwave. Yesterday, our outside thermometer - shaded by a large canopy - registered above its maximum mark of 50C! At 10.20 p.m., it was still registering 34C!

Regretfully, I had some essential work to do - outside. It was not a pleasant experience. I was working for 10-15 mins, and then taking a 15 minute break - and a pint of cold drink. However, as I did so, I found myself thinking of some who did not have the freedom to 'pace themselves' as I was doing. I thought of Hebrews in the land of Egypt, prior to the Exodus. Working from sunrise to sunset, in similar conditions, but with no humanitarian, or other, breaks. I thought of Negros in the southern states of the USA, picking cotton in such conditions and, again, with no breaks. We have a name to describe that kind of situation. We call it "slavery"!

Some people seem to think that such situations are no more than the stuff of history. However, slavery goes on even today - but we now refer to it as "people trafficking", as if that makes one iota of difference to its victims! Whatever we name it, slavery is, to most ordinary people, a vile and obnoxious practice.

Yet there is one form of slavery that is positive and beneficial! When I read the letters in the Second Testament, I find that Paul, and James, and Peter, and Jude, all refer to themselves as slaves! It is true that, in most English-language versions of the Scriptures, the word "servant" is used. But that word translates the Greek word "doulos" - and, make no mistake about it, the doulos was a slave!

These Biblical writers knew all about slavery. They knew what being a slave entailed. They knew that a slave had absolutely no rights of his/her own. They knew that the slave was the absolute property of his/her master/mistress. The owner had the very power of life and death over the slave. They were considered, by the vast majority, to be property - especially when the availability of new 'property' was so ready as Rome conquered, and enslaved its defeated enemies. They were described as 'vocal agricultural implements' and some would have preferred them without the vocal part!

When I was studying history at the University of Glasgow - so many years ago! - I had to produce an essay on one of the people referred to as "Beneficent despots". Those two words could have been seen as contradictory, as someone who was, and is, beneficent is kindly, and loving, and wise; while a despot is another way of describing an absolute dictator. However, to the disciple of Jesus, the Christ, He is the true "beneficent despot"!

By that, I mean that He demands total obedience from His people, but He treats them as His friends. Indeed, towards the end of His earthly life, He spoke to those who weer His closest followers: "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15).

So, being a slave of Jesus is not a hardship - although being in His service can bring many difficulties, as those in the persecuted church know only too well. However, as we willingly submit ourselves to Him; as we echo His own prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Not My will but Thine be done." (Luke 22;42); as we crown Him Lord of our lives; then we enter a slavery that is truly privileged. 

That is why the true disciple of Jesus is happy to be known as a slave - because we are the slaves of the King of kings, and Lord of lords, Who gave Himself, on the cross, for our redemption*. Who would not gladly serve One such as that?! Who would not wish to be under His control?!

Of course, not one of us is a perfect slave - but we serve a perfect Master Who may be trusted in every situation and circumstance. I commend Him to you.


* This is one of the Great Words looked at in my first book (details above). Available as both a paperback and a Kindle e-book, ALL royalties are paid directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church. Please consider purchasing this, and the other two books, and commending them to others.